Short Cruises From Seattle

Washington State Ferry System

• The Washington State Ferry System is used daily by locals as a mode of commuting, but also serves to carry the many visitors and tourists to neighboring islands and state parks. Ferry rides run from 20 minutes to several hours depending on destination. The most popular routes for sightseeing are Port Townsend/Keystone; San Juan Islands ports of Friday Harbor, Lopez Island and Orcas Island, which are popular for whale watching; Bainbridge Island; Bremerton.

  Even the furthest destinations can be toured in a day trip. Access the Washington State Department of Transportation Ferry Schedule for routes, times and tickets. A Wave2Go pass can be purchased from the website, kiosks on the Seattle waterfront, or at the terminal toll booth. Ferries allow foot, cycling, and auto passengers. Be sure to check your ferry schedule to note the time the last ferry leaves the port to return to Seattle. If tourist or commuter traffic is heavy, get in line early.

  State of Washington: Seattle Ferry Terminal
  801 Alaskan Way, Pier 52
  Seattle, WA 98104
  (206) 464-6400
  wsdot.wa.gov/ferries

Victoria Clipper Vacations

• To tour the San Juan Islands via Deception Pass in a day, or a speedy 2-1/2 hour ride through the Strait of Juan de Fuca to Victoria, B.C, choose the Victoria Clipper. These high-speed catamarans use a waterjet propulsion system, and can travel at 30 knots, making them among the fastest touring boats around.

  Victoria Clipper
  2701 Alaskan Way, Pier 69
  Seattle, WA 98121
  (206) 448-5000
  clippervacations.com

Argossy Cruises

• Argossy cruise ships offer more leisurely cruising around the sites of Seattle. Sunday brunches with live jazz, murder mysteries, and holiday tours are offered regularly. One-hour harbor cruises tour Elliott Bay, Seattle, or Kirkland lakes. The Hiram Chittenden Locks that connect the salt water of Puget Sound with the fresh water of Lake Union, including the "Sleepless In Seattle" houseboats, shipping terminals, and downtown skyline last about 2-1/2 hours. The popular Tillicum Village on Blake Island offers Native American-style salmon bakes and demonstrations of indigenous dance.

  Argossy Cruises
  Pier 55, Suite 201
  1101 Alaskan Way
  Seattle, WA 98101
  (800) 642-7816
  argossycruises.com

Cruise West

• For the stunning beauty and humbling magnitude of Alaska, two shorter cruises, each lasting four nights, are offered by Cruise West. The smaller ships of this fleet enable touring narrow channels where the larger ships are forbidden. Glacier Bay Highlights and Glaciers of Prince William Sound tours are guided by naturalists.

  Cruise West
  2301 Fifth Ave., Suite 401
  Seattle, WA 98121
  (888) 851-8133
  cruisewest.com